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Sources of Financial Aid

Oklahoma City Community College participates in the following Student Financial Aid
Programs:

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grant eligibility is based on financial need. The amount a student can
receive is based on the Cost of Attendance, enrollment status of full-time, part-time
or less than half-time, and the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Final
payment amount each semester/session is based on actual enrollment credit hours a
student has at the close of the census date or at the time the College receives the
Student Aid Report (SAR) after the semester is underway. Students are paid each semester/session.
Summer Pell is available for students who have available funds. Students who have
earned a Bachelor’s degree are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant at OCCC. Students
must be pursuing an eligible certificate or degree program, maintain satisfactory
academic progress, not owe a federal grant repayment, or be in default on any student
loan. All Pell Grant recipients are now limited to 12 full-time equivalent semesters
of Pell Grant funds. Students may review their Pell Lifetime Eligibility Units at
NSLDS Student Access . Login using your FSA ID.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Federal SEOG eligibility is limited to students who have exceptional financial need,
and must be awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have the lowest Expected
Family Contribution (EFC). The amount a student can receive depends on the student’s
need, the availability of SEOG funds, and the amount of other assistance the student
is receiving. The usual offer to Oklahoma City Community College students is $300
for the academic year. Due to limited funding, not all students receive SEOG. Funds
are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. This program is also limited to students
who have not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree. Students are paid once each semester
(fall, spring). Students must be pursuing a certificate or degree in an eligible program,
maintain satisfactory academic progress, not owe a federal grant repayment, or be
in default on any student loan.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Student Employment

Federal Work Study is funded by the federal government and provides funding for employment
for students who are eligible for need-based financial aid. The amount of the offer
depends on the availability of FWS funds, the student's need and the amount of assistance
the student receives from other programs. Students are paid bi-weekly, and may work
10-25 hours per week. OCCC provides a limited number of opportunities for students
to work in community service jobs including reading and math tutoring. Interested
students should contact the Financial Aid Office. Students must be pursuing a certificate
or degree in an eligible program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, not owe
a federal grant repayment, or be in default on any student loan.

Oklahoma's Promise - Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP)

Oklahoma's Promise is a tuition scholarship program offered by the State of Oklahoma that
pays tuition costs for eligible students. Students may apply for this program in the
eighth grade, but must do so by the start of the tenth grade. Participants must meet
specific program criteria to maintain eligibility while in high school. When the eligible
student begins attending college, scholarship funds will be paid directly to the College
for each semester, based on the enrolled credit hours.

Students must maintain their eligibility by meeting Regent’s grade point average requirements
and Federal Student Aid academic progress standards. Students who have a 2.00 CGPA
at 60 college credits earned must then maintain a 2.50 CGPA each semester thereafter
that they receive OK Promise. Students who receive additional types of student financial
aid for tuition can receive a cash disbursement once OK Promise funds are paid to
the College. OK Promise funds from the state are disbursed to the student’s account
each semester. Any credit balance on the account after all charges are paid will be
available to the student as a refund.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)

OTAG is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend eligible colleges,
universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time
or part-time undergraduates. A student must be an Oklahoma resident, meet financial
need criteria and be making financial aid satisfactory academic progress, not be in
default or owe a grant repayment and pursing an eligible program. Eligibility is determined
by the OTAG program, based on the information reported in the FAFSA. The OTAG deadline is
March 1st. The Financial Aid Office must review and verify all eligibility criteria
before finalizing awards. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours
each semester. Part-time (6-11 credit hours) awards are a maximum of $486 per semester.
Full-time (12 or more credit hours) awards are a maximum of $500 a semester. Students
are paid once each semester. Students who are not Oklahoma residents should check
with their home state education agency to determine if they are eligible for a grant
from their home state.

Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan -Subsidized

The Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Student Loan is a low-interest, need-based
loan made to the student and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. The annual
interest rate is determined by Congress. The student-borrower must begin repayment
within six months after leaving school or after falling below 6 credit hours of enrollment
status. A minimum enrollment of and attendance in 6 credit hours throughout the loan
period is required. All borrowers must complete entrance counseling. When a student
leaves the College or falls below six credit hours of enrollment status, the student
must complete exit counseling. Subsidized Loans now have usage eligibility limits.
Students may review their usage eligibility at NSLDS Student Access . Login using your FSA ID.

Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan - Unsubsidized

The Federal Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Student Loan is a low interest, non-need
based loan and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government
does not pay the interest on the loan while the student is in school or during other
deferment periods. The student must begin repayment of interest within 60 days of
final disbursement of funds for the loan period unless the Direct Loan Program agrees
to allow interest to accrue. The student-borrower must begin repayment within six months after leaving school or
after falling below six credit hours of enrollment status. A minimum enrollment of
and attendance in six credit hours throughout the loan period is required. All borrowers
must complete entrance counseling. When a student leaves the College or falls below
six credit hours of enrollment status, the student must complete exit counseling.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Federal Direct PLUS are for parent borrowers of dependent students. The Loan provides
additional funds for educational expenses like Direct Stafford Loans. The annual interest
rate is determined by Congress. Repayment of Federal Direct PLUS begins 60 days after
receiving the last disbursement of the loan period or as agreed upon by the borrower
and Direct Loan Program. A minimum enrollment of six credit hours is required of the
student throughout each loan period. Parent eligibility for a Direct PLUS is based
on the student’s eligibility for Federal Student Aid and the parent meeting eligibility
criteria. Amounts are based on cost of attendance minus all other resources expected
for the student. Parents must not be in default on student loans or owe a repayment
to federal grant programs. PLUS loan counseling is required for borrowers who are
determined to have adverse credit histories, but who qualify for a PLUS loan due to
extenuating circumstances or by obtaining an endorser. The same rules for disbursement,
release of funds, and cancellation which apply to Direct Stafford Loans apply to Direct
PLUS.

All Federal Student Loan Programs

Eligible students must have been awarded and completed all required paperwork to have
their loans processed. All loans are paid in at least two disbursements, with the
second disbursement after the midpoint of the loan payment period. If the first disbursement
occurs after the midpoint of the loan period, the total amount may be sent in one
disbursement. Loan refunds are scheduled to begin the week before each term. Once
a semester is underway, loan refunds are usually available to students within 3 days
after the Direct Loan Program transfers the funds to the College. Students may cancel
their loan with a written request at any time during the loan process, including up
to 14 days after loan funds are applied to the student’s account. Students are notified
by email when loan funds are applied to their account or when a loan or a portion
of a loan is returned to the lender. Students must be pursuing a certificate or degree
in an eligible program and meet the same eligibility criteria required for all other
Federal Student Aid.

Student Loan interest rates and other important information is available online at:StudentLoans.Gov

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Grants

BIA tribal grants are administered by the individual tribes and the amounts are determined
by each tribe. In most cases, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) and the education application provided by their tribe. Students
are responsible for contacting their tribal agency to determine eligibility requirements
and deadlines. Students should file the FAFSA and contact their tribe as early as
possible before a semester. Funds are sent to the College Bursar Office each semester
and applied to the student’s account. Any credit balance is available to the student
as a refund.

National Guard Tuition Waiver

The Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver Program authorizes the waiver of tuition
charges up to 18 credit hours each semester for students who are members of an Oklahoma
National Guard Unit. National Guard members must complete the tuition waiver application
form available from their unit. The Oklahoma National Guard submits a roster of eligible
students to OCCC. The National Guard member must be attending a state-supported college
or university and have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Benefits continue for six
years from the date of the first application for the tuition waiver. The student must
maintain a 2.00 Cumulative GPA each semester.

Veterans Education Benefits

Veterans Education Benefits are funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Applications are available online at: www.gibill.va.gov. Assistance in completing the application and enrollment certification is available
in the Veterans Services Office, located in the main building.

Veterans may also be eligible for Federal and State grants, and should also complete
a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at: www.fafsa.gov .

If you served on Active Duty, you might be eligible for education benefits offered
by The Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides
financial support for educational and housing expenses to individuals with at least
90 days of aggregate service after Sep 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a
service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge
to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Veterans Education Benefits are paid directly to the student on a monthly basis. Post-9/11
GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits of tuition and fees are paid directly to the College
and applied to the student's account. Chapter 33 students may also receive a book
voucher. Students must be actively pursuing an eligible degree or certificate program
and begin attendance in the courses for each semester.

If you are the spouse or child of a service member, you may be eligible for transfer
of the service member's Post-9/11 Gi Bill benefits to you.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is available to students whose parents or guardian
died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11/2001. Students
must be under the age of 24 years old or enrolled in college at the time of death
of the parent or guardian’s to be eligible. The award amount will be equal to the
maximum Pell Grant for that academic year.

Service Members Tuition Assistance

If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered
through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program. Check your eligibility
status and the amount for which you qualify with your Service installation education
office before enrolling.

If you are the spouse or child of a service member who is serving on active duty Title
10 orders in the pay grades of E1-E5, o1-O2, or W1-W2, you may be eligible for financial
assistance from the Department of Defense for education, training, and/or the occupational
license and credentials necessary for a portable career.

Tuition Assistance is paid directly to the College and applied to the student's account.

Oklahoma City Community College Veterans Services Office, located in the Main Building
adjacent to the Financial Aid Office, is the primary point of contact to assist veterans
and service members and their family members with enrollment certification and referral
to other available services at the College.